Google is facing a major challenge as a US court weighs remedies in its antitrust case. Last August, a judge ruled that Google illegally maintained a monopoly over online search. This week, the court began considering what penalties Google might face if its appeal does not succeed.
One possible outcome could force Google to sell its Chrome browser. As the world’s most-used browser, Chrome has attracted interest from several companies including major players in AI technology.
Research shows that Chrome holds around 65% of the global browser market in 2024. In comparison, Apple’s Safari trails behind with less than 19%. Authorities argue that Chrome’s massive reach, combined with built-in Google Search, helped the company secure its dominance in the search engine market.
Although no final decision has been made, multiple companies have signaled they are eager to buy Chrome. Yahoo, which controls a small share of the search market, has expressed clear interest. Yahoo Search General Manager Brian Provost testified that the company is developing its own browser and is open to acquiring existing browsers. If Chrome becomes available, Yahoo would likely pursue a deal to boost its search traffic, using a similar strategy to Google.
AI companies are equally eager. OpenAI’s Nick Turley testified that OpenAI would love to acquire Chrome, imagining a “ChatGPT-powered” browser that could redefine how people use the internet.
Perplexity, another fast-growing AI company, also showed strong interest. Dmitry Shevelenko, Perplexity’s Chief Business Officer, said his team believes they could run Chrome at its current scale without sacrificing performance or charging users.
At the same time, Google has started shifting its focus toward an AI-first future. It has laid off staff from Android, Pixel, and Chrome teams, while investing heavily in AI energy infrastructure. This pivot suggests that selling Chrome may align with Google’s long-term goals.
However, if AI companies take over Chrome, the browser experience could change dramatically. Turley mentioned that OpenAI would introduce a full “AI-first” design, while Perplexity’s upcoming browser, Comet, plans to gather user data more deeply to target personalized ads.
The final decision in court could reshape the internet landscape. Whether Chrome stays with Google or finds a new owner, big changes are on the horizon.
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